Hundreds protest at police station after it emerges man in shocking airport footage is from Rochdale

Hundreds of protesters gathered outside Rochdale Police Station yesterday after footage of a Greater Manchester Police officer kicking and stamping on a man's head emerged yesterday (Wednesday 24 July).

The man, who is now believed to be a Rochdale resident, was stamped on while he was lying on the ground, the footage of which has caused outrage in the community. 

Rochdale MP Paul Waugh has said that he had it confirmed the man is from Rochdale, and that he has plans to meet with the family.

As a result of the alarming footage, GMP acknowledged the footage depicts a 'truly shocking event', and an officer has been 'removed from operational duties',  prompting the force to refer itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

The incident occurred at 8:25pm on Tuesday in Terminal Two, where officers responded to an 'altercation' between the public and were subjected to a 'violent assault' while attempting an arrest.

Four men were arrested on suspicion of affray and assaulting emergency service workers. A female officer sustained a broken nose, and other officers were hospitalised. The force also noted the risk of the armed officers' 'firearms being taken.'

Greater Manchester Police Assistant Chief Constable Wasim Chaudhry said:

“A protest held last night outside Rochdale Police Station about our response at Manchester Airport has concluded safely, without incident.

“We understand the immense feeling of concern and worry that people feel about our response and fully respect their right to demonstrate their views peacefully.

“We have already referred our actions to the Independent Office for Police Conduct and will be in further discussions with them today.

“We have spent the evening listening to community feedback and will continue to engage with communities and elected members to maintain strong partnership links and understand local views."

Rochdale MP Paul Waugh posted: “The video footage of a Greater Manchester police officer kicking and stamping on a man in Manchester Airport is truly shocking and disturbing.

Like many who have seen this clip, I am extremely concerned. I have had it confirmed that the man arrested is a Rochdale resident and I hope to meet the family as soon as possible.

I have expressed my concerns directly to the Assistant Chief Constable this evening and have been in touch with Kate Green, Deputy Mayor for policing of Greater Manchester.

It’s right that the police officer concerned has been removed from duties and that this incident has been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct. I expect a thorough and swift investigation.”

Town hall bosses have spoken out following protests outside Rochdale Police Station last night.

Hundreds gathered outside the station in the town centre in the wake of a viral video showing a police officer kicking a man in the head at Manchester Airport. Chants of ‘GMP shame on you’ were heard and fireworks were said to be let off at the demonstration against Greater Manchester Police.

Around 200 people were reported to be in attendance outside the station to speak out against what they described as “police brutality”. 

A GMP officer has been ‘removed from operational duties’ after the video emerged and the force has also referred itself to the watchdog the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), acknowledging the footage captures a ‘truly shocking event’ that they ‘understand creates alarm.’

Leaders within Rochdale Council have already taken action on this matter, writing to the deputy mayor of Greater Manchester Kate Green and the chief constable of GMP.

Councillor Neil Emmott, the leader of Rochdale Borough Council, said: “The footage from Manchester Airport is extremely disturbing and like most people I am deeply concerned at what I saw.

"I have written to the chief constable and the deputy Mayor of Greater Manchester to outline the concerns of the council and our communities and made it clear that police officers are not above the law and must be held to account when they fail to uphold standards.”

Greater Manchester Police has suspended a police officer from all duties.